Hamilton on his future: "I don't make promises to anyone"

  • Published on 20 Oct 2014 12:15
  • comments 0
  • By: Rob Veenstra
The German newspaper Bild claims Ferrari will announce Alonso's departure and Vettel's arrival before the US grand prix in Austin early next month. It appears increasingly likely that Alonso might take a sabbatical next year, probably because he is waiting for a race seat to open up at Mercedes. "I don't think even Fernando knows at the moment," said German pundit Christian Danner, "but I think it would be tragic if F1's best driver has to sit out next season."

F1 legend Alain Prost, however - who himself sat out the 1992 season but then returned to win his final title with Williams - thinks a sabbatical is a real option for Spaniard Alonso. "I have this idea that his biggest motivation is to go to Mercedes," he told Spain's Marca. "If he chooses McLaren-Honda, winning in the first year would be very difficult. And it seems impossible that they will open the door to him for one year only. This speaks in favour of a sabbatical," said Prost.

But the quadruple world champion thinks a year out will not hurt Alonso too much. "From a technical point of view, he won't lose too much. Perhaps a little 'feel'. The rules are not changing, but you always lose a little something. But if he has already signed a contract with Mercedes for 2016, then of course a gap year is possible. Otherwise, I wouldn't do it. It's not easy to take a year off," Prost added.

Also asked about Alonso's next step in the past days was Robert Kubica, who was previously the Spaniard's closest friend in the paddock. "I don't know what will happen," the Pole told Italy's Sky, "but if Fernando is not on the grid it would be a great loss for F1. The sport cannot afford to lose a driver of his calibre."

Until the shape of the 2015 grid becomes clearer, the speculation will continue. One persistent rumour is that Alonso may find a way to squeeze into Lewis Hamilton's place at Mercedes next year. Asked during his visit to the DTM finale at Hockenheim if he can promise he will still be a Mercedes driver in 2015, Hamilton is quoted by APA news agency as answering: "I don't make promises to anyone -- not even my girlfriend." (GMM)

Replies (0)

Login to reply

BE Grand Prix of Belgium

Local time 

BEGrand Prix of Belgium

Local time 

World Championship standings 2025

Show full world champion standings

Test calendar

See full test schedule

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2025

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Bahrain
14 - Mar 16
Australia
21 - Mar 23
China
4 - Apr 6
Japan
11 - Apr 13
Bahrain
18 - Apr 20
Saudi Arabia
2 - May 4
United States of America
16 - May 18
Italy
23 - May 25
Monaco
30 - Jun 1
Spain
13 - Jun 15
Canada
27 - Jun 29
Austria
4 - Jul 6
United Kingdom
25 - Jul 27
Belgium
1 - Aug 3
Hungary
29 - Aug 31
Netherlands
5 - Sep 7
Italy
19 - Sep 21
Azerbaijan
3 - Oct 5
Singapore
17 - Oct 19
United States of America
24 - Oct 26
Mexico
7 - Nov 9
Brazil
21 - Nov 23
United States of America
28 - Nov 30
Qatar
5 - Dec 7
United Arab Emirates
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2025

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
14 - Mar 16
Australia Albert Park
21 - Mar 23
4 - Apr 6
11 - Apr 13
18 - Apr 20
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
2 - May 4
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
16 - May 18
23 - May 25
Monaco Monte Carlo
30 - Jun 1
13 - Jun 15
27 - Jun 29
Austria Red Bull Ring
4 - Jul 6
United Kingdom Silverstone
25 - Jul 27
1 - Aug 3
Hungary Hungaroring
29 - Aug 31
Netherlands Circuit Zandvoort
5 - Sep 7
Italy Monza
19 - Sep 21
Azerbaijan Baku City Circuit
3 - Oct 5
17 - Oct 19
United States of America Circuit of the Americas
24 - Oct 26
7 - Nov 9
Brazil Interlagos
21 - Nov 23
United States of America Las Vegas Street Circuit
28 - Nov 30
5 - Dec 7
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Team Ferrari
  • Points 3,402
  • Podiums 132
  • Grand Prix 212
  • Country GB
  • Date of b. Jan 7 1985 (40)
  • Place of b. Tewin, GB
  • Weight 68 kg
  • Length 1.74 m
Show full profile

Team profile

Show full profile
show sidebar